In my personal experience, I’ve rarely seen a millennial who actually adheres to the stereotypes; they’re usually dedicated and focused individuals. The stereotypes themselves are fairly generic and could be applied to every generation. For example, some people think millennials spend a considerable amount of time on social media. In reality, anyone has the ability to do this – the platforms and technology are available to everyone. Millennials just happened to be there when the technology started emerging.

I’ve never truly understood any stereotypes linked to generations. At the end of the day, we’re all people who were simply born in different times; growing up with different environments, surrounded by different tools.

What benefits most attract you to a new position?

With technology advancing at a rapid rate, it can be difficult to keep up if you become too comfy and end up only doing what you already know. Because of this, a new position that allows you to develop new skills and provides chances to look into new technologies can be very enticing. As can one that allows you to develop a wider range of skills as a whole; especially if they can be useful in numerous situations.

Moving to a new position should also give you other opportunities, such as meeting new people and creating new relationships which allow you to develop personal and (depending on the position) even team management skills.

In the long term which of the following is most important to you? (Please explain why?)

Career development

Work/ life balance

Salary

I believe that having the correct balance of work and life is most important. To elaborate, if you solely focus on work, your life outside of it could deteriorate. This could lead to stress and general unhappiness. On the flip side, if you focus solely on your life outside of work, your career progression could take a large hit; meaning you can no longer advance within it or develop new skills.

If you have the right balance of both, then you will be motivated for work; allowing you to progress at a good pace. You’ll also be happier outside of it, which can lead to a healthier lifestyle in general and definitely reduces stress.

What do you think most companies are getting wrong when hiring/ retaining younger workers?

While I can’t speak for most companies, I can say what people like to see. Younger workers enjoy open workspaces, with a freeing atmosphere, as opposed to being closed off from everyone else. We’re typically social creatures who enjoy interaction with others.

Younger workers (and no doubt everyone else) also enjoy knowing their work is appreciated and that it means something. They want to see that they’re making a difference.

Some companies make the mistake of hiring young workers and expecting them to have the same level of knowledge as someone who has already worked there for five years. This expectation can simply be too much.

Looking back, is there anything you’d change about the route you took to your current career?

I was very careful about planning the route I took to get to this point in my career. Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything. I’m in a good position in a company that challenges me to learn new things. I know my work is appreciated and live a relatively stress-free life thanks to my colleagues knowing what kind of workload I can manage.